How to Buy Clothing as a Busty Petite Woman

You'd think, given all the clothing retailers, that finding women's clothing-- especially shirts and dresses--would be easy even if you are a busty and petite woman. Surely somebody must make clothing for women that fits a curvaceous figure that also happens to be petite! But if you're a short woman, you know how hard it is to find clothes in your size that fit well, don't bulge in some places or cling in others, and look sharp.

Instructions

1. Shop online for clothing. Unless you live in places like Paris or London, you'll be able to buy a much wider variety of clothes online than in your local area. See the Resources section for a bunch of links to online clothing retailers for women's petite and/or busty clothes.

2. Shop for knitted rather than woven shirts. Buy pullovers rather than button down shirts if you're busty and petite. Since most blouses and shirts are made for women with a B cup size, the buttons will strain or you simply won't be able to get the shirt on.

3. As a busty petite woman, buy short sleeve shirts or blouses with 3/4 length sleeves or cropped shirts. Fitted, even better. This is no guarantee of a good fit - you may find the shirt or torso part too long - but your odds are better than with long-sleeve shirts.

4. Shop for bras with adjustable bands. There are numerous lingerie and bra shops for women with large busts. I've listed one with a large selection in the Resources section.

5. Shop for petite pants and jeans online easily as a busty woman...since your large bust won't affect your pant size! As for the petite part....You can find petite jeans and pants for women at many retailers such as Land's End, JJill, and J.C. Penney.

6. It's a different matter trying to find petite pants for women if you've got wide hips as well as a large bust. For the pocket Venus figure (also known as the petite hourglass figure), try shopping at Eddie Bauer or L.L. Bean, which have pants for different body types. Or shop at retailers such as J.Jill and Coldwater Creek that sell a wide variety of clothing that drapes.

7. Try a personal tailor. Custom tailored clothing by professional tailors will use your exact measurements to custom make clothing that fits you perfectly. Whatever style you want to wear can be custom made for you, for not too exorbitant prices. In some cases, you can shop for custom made clothing online. Places like Ravistailor will make clothing in the material, color and style of your choice to suit your exact shape.

Tips & Warnings

• Clothing purchased online can be returned without problem, in most cases. Check with each store's policy. Custom-made clothing may also be returned for refitting, depending on the store's policy.

• Buy dresses with a pronounced waist only when the the top and the skirt aren't too long. A waist in a badly fitting dress will accentuate the bad fit and look sloppy.